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Boston Celtics draft rumors: Grayson Allen an intriguing option at No.27

By Sam Minton

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 17: Grayson Allen #23 speaks with reporters during Day One of the NBA Draft Combine at Quest MultiSport Complex on May 17, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 17: Grayson Allen #23 speaks with reporters during Day One of the NBA Draft Combine at Quest MultiSport Complex on May 17, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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The Boston Celtics brought in Grayson Allen for a workout on Friday and the fiery Duke star could be an intriguing pick.

Grayson Allen is a polarizing player. The only people that seem to like him are Duke fans. The Boston Celtics are at the end of the draft and Allen is an intriguing option.

In his career at Duke, Allen averaged 14.1 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3 assists a game. He had his best season as a Sophomore when he averaged 21.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. He was the talk of the basketball world but stayed for his last two seasons, where he seemed to lose a step.

Even though Allen’s draft stock dropped he believed it helped him out as a player.

"“I got to learn from coach [Mike Krzyzewski] for four years, so I got to think through the game in so many different roles,” said Allen, one of six players who participated in a predraft workout for the Celtics at the team’s practice facility Friday. “My basketball IQ improved so much just by playing for him. I learned how to prepare like a pro, how to recover like a pro, how to live like a pro while at Duke. And I also think I’m in a better spot to land and stick in the league. I think if I would have come out after my freshman, sophomore year, I would’ve been in a good spot, but I would have had to get lucky in a good situation."

One of Allen’s most valuable traits is his aggressiveness. This makes him a ferocious defender which the Celtics would love. If he can regain the shooting form he had in his Sophomore year he could help the Celtics flourishing 2nd unit.

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Allen is at his best when he is shooting from the perimeter. In his career, Allen shot 38% from behind the arc and an overall shooting percentage of 43%.

A great fit

The Celtics would be a great landing spot for Allen. He wouldn’t have a lot of pressure to perform quickly. The Celtics have a bunch of great young players so Allen would probably be near the end of the bench.

Also, Allen would get to team up with former teammate Jayson Tatum. Allen spoke very kindly about his former teammate when he got the opportunity.

"“He’s incredible, man,” Allen said. “When he first came into Duke in the summer, when we were playing small games — one-on-one, two-on-two, three-on-three — he would kill people. Like, if he gets in space, and that jump-shot starts going down, he’s taking shots you want him to take, but it’s going in."

Tatum could help Allen transition into the league and teach him how to become a great player in the NBA.

Allen’s aggressiveness could ingratiate him to Celtics fans. C’s fans love watching Marcus Smart dive for loose balls and give 100% on each and every play. Allen could bring that same style of play.

Next: Top 5 Boston Celtics draft busts

Grayson Allen may be able to be the great player he once was if he becomes a member of the Boston Celtics.

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